Dreaming of a Pura Vida Vacation to Costa Rica

InsiderFamilies

https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=30mUNf_0XzHzZms00

(The view of Playa Flamingo from Playa Potrero in Costa Rica. Photo by Liana Moore.)

This time last year our family had just returned from the most amazing multi-gen vacation to Costa Rica. I've been dreaming of a return since. Rainforests, the most amazing wildlife, soft sandy beaches with brilliant sunsets and a Pura Vida lifestyle. Who wouldn't want to return?

We discovered some amazing Costa Rica vacation destinations. And, we look forward to return to explore others. Here are some famtastic beach, rainforest and hot spring destinations in Costa Rica.

Costa Rica Rain Forest Destinations

La Fortuna/ Arenal Volcano

https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=43UJuq_0XzHzZms00

(Arenal Lake. Photo by Liana Moore.)

The Arenal area with a hub in La Fortuna is home to Arenal National Park, Lake Arenal, Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges, Arenal Waterfall and so much more. It is a lush rainforest with fresh fruits, colorful wildlife, natural thermal hot springs and spectacular views.

It rains much of the year here. But when the rain stops and the clouds clear the lush green landscape accents the views of the volcano and lake. Regardless of weather, there are some many new experinces to enjoy here. Spot a sloth, poison dart frog or monkey. Walk across a hanging bridge. Take a choclate tour and experience fruit more fresh than you ever have before. Zip line, white water raft or just bird watch.

Monteverde Cloud Forest

Monte Verde is known for its cloud forests, hanging bridges and zip lining. The climate here is cooler that other areas of Costa Rica. As much of Costa Rica, the landscape and wildlife has been protected. You are sure to see monkeys, colorful birds and all kinds of ither special animals. Be sure to pack layers.

Costa Rica Beach Destinations

Guanacaste Province

https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=131uOV_0XzHzZms00

(Sunsets in Playa Potrero Costa Rica are unmatched. Photo by Liana Moore.)

Costa Rica is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Central America. Costa Rica’s commitment to preservation should ensure that these beautiful sand beaches stay pristine for years to come. Many of these beaches are located in the Guanacaste Province on the western coast. Playa Potrero was perhaps our favorite Pacific beach in Costa Rica.

Caribbean Coast Beaches

Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast is less developed than the Pacific side, and can make for a beach vacation that includes wildlife and adventure.

Punta Uva is a quiet beach town on the Caribbean coast. It is a fantastic area to see wildlife. And, the beach boasts a coral reef that you can actually swim out to making it ideal for snorkeling.

At Uvita Beach waves are gentle, making it perfect for families looking for an easygoing atmosphere. It’s also an excellent snorkeling destination, with clear waters and reefs that flourish with tropical fish.

Manuel Antonio

Known for its warm, white sandy beaches, turquoise waters, swaying palm trees, and its bustling beach city, Manuel Antonio Beach is truly a diamond in the rough. Manuel Antonio boast bothe beautiful beaches and rain forests. Here you can see it all in one place.

Airports in Costa Rica

Costa Rica offers two major airports accessible from multiple American cities. First you need to decide on your Costa Rica itinerary to determine which airport will be best for arrival. Or, perhaps you fly into one and out of the other. If you plan on spending any time in the Guanacaste region or the Nicola Peninsula, you will want to fly into Liberia International Airport. If you plan to visit Manuel Antonio, you will want to fly into San Jose International Airport.

Driving in Costa Rica with Kids

https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=3i0wDM_0XzHzZms00

(WiFi in our rental car saved the day on more than one occassion. Photo by Liana Moore.)

Costa Rican roads are scary. Roads are poorly marked. There are no shoulders. Bridges are one lane and street lights are lacking. While we did rent a car and survived, it was recommended to us by many sources to hire a driver. If you do drive, be sure to have WiFi or GPS in your vehicle.

What to Pack for Costa Rica

Beachwear, flip flops and sunscreen will be the most important for the coastal areas. But you should certainly plan to make a trip to a national forest or rain forest while here. Here you will need sturdy clothes, a rain jacket and more. You will need to pack for a variety of climates. Be sure to download our printable Costa Rica packing list!

Read full story in "NewsBreak" App

This is original content from NewsBreak’s Creator Program. Join today to publish and share your own content.

Comments / 1

Published by

Insider Families is a Colorado-based family travel publisher. We love the great outdoors. We feel grateful to live in the mountains of Colorado and see first hand how climate change is impacting our winters. It is important to us that we share with our readers and followers how they can help preserve what makes a place special. We make a point to learn about the local history and environment of the places we visit. When we visit the Golden Isles of Georgia you will find us making a stop at the Sea Turtle Sanctuary and learning about this endangered species. We return home with books on the subject and a desire to share that knowledge. We love nature and like to spend as much time in it as possible whether hiking a mountain, riding the BMX track, soaring down an alpine coaster or trying a new sport at the beach or lake.

Vail, CO
1K followers

More from InsiderFamilies

Colorado Springs, CO

Family Fun at Great Wolf Lodge Summer 2022

The wave pool at Great Wolf Lodge Colorado Springs.(Liana Moore/ Insider Families) Our family first visited Great Wolf Lodge Colorado Springs in 2017 when it first opened. I am not sure how five years has passed so quickly. We finally made a return visit this June 2022. The kids are five years older and it was still a ton of fun. This time we got to ride the big waterslides!

Read full story
Colorado State

Alligators in Colorado? Yes, there are!

One of several humorous signs at Colorado Gator Reptile Park.(Photo by Liana Moore.) Alligators in Colorado? It is almost as strange as sand dunes in the middle of the Rocky Mountains. But yes, there is a Gator Park located vey near the Great Sand Dunes National Park. This area of southern Colorado is certainly unique.

Read full story
9 comments
Vail, CO

Vail Mountain Slated to Open on November 12th for 2021-2022 Ski Season

Views from the ski slopes of Vail Mountain.(Photo by Liana Moore.) On August 26th Vail Resorts announced scheduled opening dates across all of its North American resorts. Almost buried in the announcement was the planned date of November 12 to open Vail Mountain, alongside Breckenridge. This is notable, as it would be the earliest opening of Vail Mountain ever, and two weeks before Thanksgiving.

Read full story
Vail, CO

Four Seasons Vail Completes Significant Multi-Year Renovation

Newly renovated guest rooms at Four Seasons Resort and Residences Vail.(Photo courtesy Four Seasons Resort and Residences Vail.) The Four Seasons Resort and Residences Vail just completed a multi-year, multi-million dollar renovation. This complete renovation of Four Seasons Resort and Residences Vail was phased over the past three years. It includes the 97 guest rooms and 24 suites, as well as all common areas. Many of the 34 private residences ranging in size up to 6 bedrooms have also undergone recent renovations. This comes just over a decade after its grand opening in 2010.

Read full story
Colorado State

What to Do in Colorado this October

Fall colors in Colorado.(Photo by Liana Moore.) The Centennial State has an endless amount of breathtaking sights for you to take in. Especially during the month of October. Not only is the changing of leaves spectacular to see. But you’ll also find many wonderful smells, tastes, and fun activities that are perfect for the whole family. Here are more places to visit and things to do in the month of October while you’re in the great state of Colorado.

Read full story
Colorado State

6 Fun Things to Do in Colorado in Winter

Crisp evenings have arrived in Colorado. Soon the aspen leaves will be turning to gold. Then the snow flakes will start flying. It is time to start getting excited for winter. Of course skiing tops the list of things to do in Colorado in winter. But there is so much more to do! You probably want to know what you can do with family and friends to make the most of the trip. The snow Colorado winters offer many amazing activities to make memories that will last a lifetime.

Read full story
1 comments
Colorado State

7 Colorado Airports to Get You Where You Need to Go

Departing at sunrise from Denver International Airport(Photo by Liana Moore.) If you’re heading in or out of Colorado, you could end up at one of the many airports in the state. While some states only have one or two airports, Colorado actually has many, with flights coming in and out at all different times of the day. Each different airport may have easier access to different areas of the state.

Read full story
1 comments
Colorado State

6 Via Ferrata Adventures in Colorado

Entrance to Royal Gorge Via Ferrata.(Photo by Liana Moore.) If you are a hiking and climbing enthusiast, you’ll want to try an unforgettable experience like no other in Colorado. Home to some of the most amazing via ferratas, more and more via ferrata Colorado options seem to pop up each summer. Just this year, one opened at Arapaho Basin. These are a unique opportunity to scale a sheer cliff wall with a guide in a safe environment.

Read full story
2 comments
Glenwood Springs, CO

Glenwood Canyon to Reopen this Saturday Afternoon, August 14

Grizzly Creek Trail in Glenwood Canyon.(Photo by Liana Moore.) Weather events the past two summers have impacted travel through one of the major east-west highways across the United States. Last summer Interstate-70 closed for several days while the Grizzly Creek Fire burned through the area. The burn scars left from that fire, combined with unusually heavy rains on July 29 caused severe damage to the interstate and shut down the highway.

Read full story
Colorado State

6 Tasty BBQ Joints on the Western Slope of Colorado

Sliced brisket BBQ.(Photo by Isaac Taylor from Pexels.) Colorado has a rich ranching history. The state's BBQ history may not be as long. But it is certainly diverse. The mountains of Colorado are home to several BBQ joints that have very different styles and history. Here are a few of our favorites!

Read full story
3 comments

4 Colorado Restaurants with a View

Views from Huntington House Tavern at Grand Lake Lodge.(Photo by Liana Moore.) Of course a state boasting the stunning Rocky Mountains offers plenty of places to take in a beautiful view. Where better to enjoy these views than at a restaurant with a delicious dinner served to you while you enjoy the views. Here are four restaurants whose views and food we have most enjoyed.

Read full story
Colorado State

5 Electric Bike Tours in Colorado

Mountain bike trail in Eagle, Colorado popular with electric bikers.(Photo by Liana Moore.) Electric bikes are really starting to pick up momentum, not only in largely-populated cities but also in mountain vacation destinations. Electric bikes have become a new mode of transportation for hunters. They are enabling mountain bikers to get further into nature and make it up hills that might have been too much without a little extra power. And, they are enabling people to get around their towns or cities without a car. Electric bikes Colorado are trending. Here’s what to know.

Read full story
Palisade, CO

12 Colorado Wineries Worth Visiting

The Winery at Holy Cross Abbey in Canon City, Colorado.(Photo by Liana Moore.) When considering a wine tour, you may think of Napa Valley in California or Bordeaux in France. But did you know that there are two American Viticultural Areas (AVAs) in Colorado? So where are the vineyards in Colorado? These AVAs are Grand Valley and West Elks. The Grand Valley, which includes the Palisade area is the largest wine region in the state. But we actually had the opportunity to visit a unique winery in the Royal Gorge area last month. Wineries are located throughout the state.

Read full story
2 comments
Colorado State

Fun Ways to Experience Vail, Colorado on Bike

Mountain biking on Vail Mountain.(Photo courtesy VLMD/ Jack Affleck.) Vail in the summer is known for its bountiful outdoor activities in the spectacular alpine environment. One of these activities that you should not miss is biking.

Read full story
Colorado State

Don't Miss White Water Rafting in Colorado this Summer!

White water rafting the Royal Gorge.(Photo courtesy Echo Canyons River Expeditions.) It just so happens that Colorado is one of the best white water rafting destinations in the entire country. That’s because the two famous rivers, the Colorado and Arkansas River, amongst several other waterways provide the perfect opportunity for the thrilling sport.

Read full story
Park County, CO

Sylvan Lake State Park Reopens for Camping and Day Use Following Sylvan Fire

Sylvan Lake State Park prior to the fire.(Photo by Liana Moore.) One of Colorado's beautiful state parks closed June 20th, 2021 when a wildfire broke out. Dry weather and difficult containment terrain resulted in a Type I Incident Management Team being called in and hundreds of firefighters initially working to contain the fire. Subsequent wet conditions bought time and the local Type 3 team took back management of the fire on July 4th.

Read full story
Colorado State

9 Scenic Railroads for Riding the Rails in Colorado

Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad(Photo courtesy Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge.) If you’re planning a trip to Colorado to view some spectacular mountain scenery and wildlife, keep in mind that there are a handful of different ways of doing just that. Of course, you could always take the car, hike on foot, or enjoy some whitewater rafting at some point. But there are also several different Colorado train rides to consider as well.

Read full story
Colorado State

8 Fun Things to Do in the Royal Gorge Area of Colorado

The Royal Gorge is located in a stunning area of Colorado, yet accessible to the cities. It is just a short drive from Colorado Springs, and just outside of Canon City, Colorado. Just seeing the Gorge is a must-do activity. But there’s actually several ways and view points from which to take it in.

Read full story

Colorado Water Parks for Summer Fun

Shoshone Chutes at Glenwood Hot Springs Pool.(Photo by Liana Moore.) You can find numerous water parks in Colorado perfect for cooling off and keeping the kids entertained on hot summer days. The larger water parks are found in Denver and Colorado Springs. But there are also a handful of smaller ones in the suburbs, and even in the mountains.

Read full story
Colorado State

Where and Why Horseback Ride in Vail, Colorado

Horseback riding on Vail Mountain.(Photo courtesy VLMDAC/ Jack Affleck.) When you think of Vail, you probably associate it with skiing. Boasting one of the largest ski resorts in the world with over 5,000 acres of skiable area, it’s no wonder. But did you know that Vail, due to its elevation, actually has not only snowy winters but warm beautiful summers full of wildflowers and aspen trees with a backdrop of the Gore Range mountains? And what better way could there be to view these mountains in the summer than on Vail horseback riding adventures?!

Read full story

Comments / 0

Community Policy